Title search results
Showing 1 - 20 of 82 items
The Morning Tide
By Audrey Howard. 1985
Liverpool, 1921. It was the year lively Kate Fowler rebelled against working in her hated father's chip shop and, with…
her gentle sister Jenny, left his brutal house forever. For this was the Jazz Age - and Kate and Jenny revelled in their freedom and in dancing until dawn, until romance changed the tempo of their lives. For Kate, it was Charlie, a man as strong and warm-hearted as herself. For Jenny, it was Nils, the Norwegian navigator, who shared a brief, bittersweet affair with her before tragically disappearing from her life. And while Kate and Charlie together face the bad times that are coming, Jenny looks set to repeat the tragic pattern of her mother's life.From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to…
belong to those you love. 'Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish - one not to miss' HOLLY MILLER'The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy' LORNA COOK'Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for' PHAEDRA PATRICK'This beautifully written story perfectly captures the messy, complicated thing that is family'NICOLA GILL'The Art of Belonging is a gorgeous read . . . Eleanor Ray has created a warm hug of a book that will capture your heart'HEATHER CRITCHLOW ................................................ Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . . When unexpected circumstances bring Grace's estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart. It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other - and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful................................................. 'A delicious indulgence of a novel - rich, warm, and packed to bursting with heart, hope and compassion'KATE SIMANTS'A wonderful story, beautifully told. A book full of love and new beginnings and optimism' SAM HOLLAND 'An absolute joy to read. Such a perfectly spun heartwarming tale of love, loss, redemption and reinvention' ROBERT SCRAGG'Full of heart, humour and compassion, this is a story to savour' JO FURNISS, author Dead Mile'A precious story of family, love and adventure that will touch your soul and leave you smiling'CAMERON WARD, author of A Stranger On Board and The Safe HouseEverything Is Beautiful was richly praised: 'A joy' BETH O'LEARY 'Beautifully written' KATIE FFORDE'A moving, tender book' PANDORA SYKESFrom the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to…
belong to those you love. 'Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish - one not to miss' HOLLY MILLER'The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy' LORNA COOK'Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for' PHAEDRA PATRICK'This beautifully written story perfectly captures the messy, complicated thing that is family'NICOLA GILL'The Art of Belonging is a gorgeous read . . . Eleanor Ray has created a warm hug of a book that will capture your heart'HEATHER CRITCHLOW ................................................ Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . . When unexpected circumstances bring Grace's estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart. It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other - and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful................................................. 'A delicious indulgence of a novel - rich, warm, and packed to bursting with heart, hope and compassion'KATE SIMANTS'A wonderful story, beautifully told. A book full of love and new beginnings and optimism' SAM HOLLAND 'An absolute joy to read. Such a perfectly spun heartwarming tale of love, loss, redemption and reinvention' ROBERT SCRAGG'Full of heart, humour and compassion, this is a story to savour' JO FURNISS, author Dead Mile'A precious story of family, love and adventure that will touch your soul and leave you smiling'CAMERON WARD, author of A Stranger On Board and The Safe HouseEverything Is Beautiful was richly praised: 'A joy' BETH O'LEARY 'Beautifully written' KATIE FFORDE'A moving, tender book' PANDORA SYKESSmall Pleasures: Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction
By Clare Chambers. 2020
LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2021'A WORD-OF-MOUTH HIT' Evening Standard 'A very fine book... It's witty and sharp…
and reads like something by Barbara Pym or Anita Brookner, without ever feeling like a pastiche'David Nicholls'Perfect'India Knight 'Beautiful' Jessie Burton'Wonderful'Richard Osman 'Miraculous'Tracy Chevalier 'A wonderful novel. I loved it'Nina Stibbe 'Effortless to read, but every sentence lingers in the mind' Lissa Evans 'This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I honestly don't want you to be without it'Lucy Mangan'Gorgeous... If you're looking for something escapist and bittersweet, I could not recommend more' Pandora Sykes'Remarkable... Small Pleasures is no small pleasure'The Times'An irresistible novel - wry, perceptive and quietly devastating'Mail on Sunday'Chambers' eye for undemonstrative details achieves a Larkin-esque lucidity' Guardian'An almost flawlessly written tale of genuine, grown-up romantic anguish' The Sunday Times 1957, the suburbs of South East London. Jean Swinney is a journalist on a local paper, trapped in a life of duty and disappointment from which there is no likelihood of escape. When a young woman, Gretchen Tilbury, contacts the paper to claim that her daughter is the result of a virgin birth, it is down to Jean to discover whether she is a miracle or a fraud. As the investigation turns her quiet life inside out, Jean is suddenly given an unexpected chance at friendship, love and - possibly - happiness. But there will, inevitably, be a price to pay.Book of the Year for: The Times, Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Daily Express, Metro, Spectator, Red Magazine and Good HousekeepingUltimate LEGO Star Wars
By Andrew Becraft, Chris Malloy. 2017
The definitive guide to the LEGO® Star Wars™ universe, showcasing the vast collection of LEGO Star Wars sets and minifigures…
released over the last 20 years.This is a complete, unrivaled encyclopedia of the LEGO Star Wars theme. Fans will have an all-encompassing companion to the LEGO Star Wars cultural phenomenon. Produced in large format and featuring beautiful imagery, this is an indispensable guide for young fans and a stunning reference work for adults. With behind-the-scenes material, it tells the complete story of LEGO Star Wars, from the earliest concepts in the late 1990s to the creation of the most recent sets for The Force Awakens™ and Rogue One™. Created with the LEGO Star Wars team.LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2017 The LEGO Group. Produced by Dorling Kindersley under license from the LEGO Group.© & TM 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.Our shed: a father-daughter building story
By Robert Broder. 2020
A father teaches his daughter how to build a backyard shed for storing the necessities of family life--a lawn mower,…
sprinkler, sleds, kid toys. For each practical element the dad brings to the project, his daughter adds her own imaginative creative spin. For grades K-3. UnratedCircle of quilters: an Elm Creek quilts novel (The Elm Creek Quilts #9)
By Jennifer Chiaverini. 2006
The Pennsylvania Elm Creek Quilters must hire new teachers for their camp. Candidates include Karen, a young mother; Maggie, the…
author of a quilt pattern book; Russ, a widower; Anna, a chef; and Gretchen, a shop owner. Sarah McClure and the other sewers debate each nominee's qualifications and drawbacks. 2006Seize the story: a handbook for teens who like to write
By Victoria Hanley. 2008
Presents creative-writing tips and exercises, from freewriting to understanding the elements of fiction. Provides examples for character development, motivation, and…
perspective. Assesses difficult aspects of writing fiction, such as creating the setting and mood, and infusing your style and voice into the story. For junior and senior high readers. 2008The aloha quilt: an Elm Creek Quilts novel
By Jennifer Chiaverini. 2010
In the midst of a difficult divorce Bonnie leaves Pennsylvania to help an old friend set up a quilting camp…
in Hawaii. When Bonnie's husband demands half of her share in the Elm Creek quilting business, she's devastated but soon finds solace in the tropical surroundings. 2010The Christmas Holiday: The perfect heart-warming read full of festive magic
By Sophie Claire. 2019
'A sumptuous Christmas romance' Woman & Home magazine'A cosy and heart-warming Christmas read - the perfect festive treat' Heidi Swain'A…
fun and festive read' Trisha Ashley***Can a trip away lead you home?After a bad break-up, eternal optimist Evie Miller has moved to the small village of Willowbrook to finally pursue her dream of opening a craft shop. Unfortunately, with money worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh start isn't going entirely to plan.Jake Hartwood is also looking to escape his past. Haunted by the loss of his wife, he's determined not to get close to anyone again - and the last thing he wants is to be celebrating this December.Hoping to avoid the festivities, Evie and Jake arrange to escape Christmas together as friends in Provence. But will the magic of the season change things between them?And what happens if one of them starts to feel something more?*****Readers are loving The Christmas Holiday!'This was a wonderful festive story full of intrigue, drama and romance.' Five stars'A lovely heart warming story. Loved it.' Five stars'This is definitely a book to curl up with of an evening, a book to make you smile and feel happy. The characters are so lovely, the writing so warm.' Five stars'I loved this book, and read it in one sitting.' Five stars'A lovely heart-warming book that I could not put down. I really strongly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!' Five starsA Winter's Dream: A heart-warming and feel-good cosy read for Christmas
By Sophie Claire. 2020
'Sophie's novels are perfect for cosy escapism' - Heidi Swain_____________________________Liberty has never been a risk-taker. She loves the routine of…
her quiet life in the charming village of Willowbrook, with her Labrador, Charlie. But the arrival of a mysterious gift prompts Liberty to make some changes: starting with a daily challenge to say yes to everything for the month of December... Fearless and independent, Alex could hardly be a less obvious fit for peaceful village life. But after an accident cuts short his promising motorcycling career, he finds himself in Willowbrook in search of new direction. When the pair become unlikely housemates, sparks fly at Damselfly Cottage. Will living together prove impossible - especially when the first snow falls? Or, cut off from the outside world, can they help each other find what it takes to be brave this Christmas? *****Readers love Sophie Claire!'This was a wonderful festive story full of intrigue, drama and romance.' Five stars'A lovely heart warming story. Loved it.' Five stars'This is definitely a book to curl up with of an evening, a book to make you smile and feel happy. The characters are so lovely, the writing so warm.' Five stars'I loved this book, and read it in one sitting.' Five stars'A lovely heart-warming book that I could not put down. I really strongly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!' Five starsHotel Limbo
By Mónica Lavín. 2011
¿Tu vida es aburrida? Vive el Buen Fin entre deseos, aventuras y decisiones que le darán esa intensidad que necesitas…
En esta novela la autora narra la llegada a una ciudad de Sara Martínez. Ha llegado hasta ese lugar para impartir un curso sobre de cómo hablar en público o seducir con la palabra. Pero Sara resulta seducida por uno de sus alumnos, o más bien seducida por el deseo mismo, ya que aun antes de cualquier insinuación de su pupilo, ella ya imagina un encuentro con el muchacho. Deseo que de alguna manera se trunca, pues el alumno parece evadir la cita definitiva. En cambio quien llega es Darío, un pintor que busca atrapar la sensualidad suprema. Así, entre modelo y creador se va gestando una complicidad en la que cada uno va descubriendo su historia, llena de desencuentros: a él lo abandonaron su esposa e hijo, ella en cambio decidió hacer a un lado el hastío de su matrimonio. Narración colmada de alegrías, tristezas, enojos, lo que es decir vida, pero también de esos momentos en la historia de la pintura en los que los grandes maestros lograron atrapar la sensualidad, el deseo. El deseo es un destello, un resplandor que cuando aparece no tiene intención de permanecer. Es fugitivo y huye al menor descuido. Por eso cuando lo intuimos, procuramos cerrarle los espacios, que no se escape por algún resquicio. Hotel Limbo de Mónica Lavín logra capturar este efímero deleite. ¿Tu vida es aburrida? Vive el Buen Fin entre deseos, aventuras y decisiones que le darán esa intensidad que necesitas En esta novela la autora narra la llegada a una ciudad de Sara Martínez. Ha llegado hasta ese lugar para impartir un curso sobre de cómo hablar en público o seducir con la palabra. Pero Sara resulta seducida por uno de sus alumnos, o más bien seducida por el deseo mismo, ya que aun antes de cualquier insinuación de su pupilo, ella ya imagina un encuentro con el muchacho. Deseo que de alguna manera se trunca, pues el alumno parece evadir la cita definitiva. En cambio quien llega es Darío, un pintor que busca atrapar la sensualidad suprema. Así, entre modelo y creador se va gestando una complicidad en la que cada uno va descubriendo su historia, llena de desencuentros: a él lo abandonaron su esposa e hijo, ella en cambio decidió hacer a un lado el hastío de su matrimonio. Narración colmada de alegrías, tristezas, enojos, lo que es decir vida, pero también de esos momentos en la historia de la pintura en los que los grandes maestros lograron atrapar la sensualidad, el deseo. El deseo es un destello, un resplandor que cuando aparece no tiene intención de permanecer. Es fugitivo y huye al menor descuido. Por eso cuando lointuimos, procuramos cerrarle los espacios, que no se escape por algún resquicio. Hotel Limbo de Mónica Lavín logra capturar este efímero deleite.The Christmas Holiday: The perfect heart-warming read full of festive magic
By Sophie Claire. 2019
'A sumptuous Christmas romance' Woman & Home magazine'A cosy and heart-warming Christmas read - the perfect festive treat' Heidi Swain'A…
fun and festive read' Trisha Ashley***Can a trip away lead you home?After a bad break-up, eternal optimist Evie Miller has moved to the small village of Willowbrook to finally pursue her dream of opening a craft shop. Unfortunately, with money worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh start isn't going entirely to plan.Jake Hartwood is also looking to escape his past. Haunted by the loss of his wife, he's determined not to get close to anyone again - and the last thing he wants is to be celebrating this December.Hoping to avoid the festivities, Evie and Jake arrange to escape Christmas together as friends in Provence. But will the magic of the season change things between them?And what happens if one of them starts to feel something more?*****Readers are loving The Christmas Holiday!'This was a wonderful festive story full of intrigue, drama and romance.' Five stars'A lovely heart warming story. Loved it.' Five stars'This is definitely a book to curl up with of an evening, a book to make you smile and feel happy. The characters are so lovely, the writing so warm.' Five stars'I loved this book, and read it in one sitting.' Five stars'A lovely heart-warming book that I could not put down. I really strongly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!' Five starsA Winter's Dream: A heart-warming and feel-good cosy read for Christmas
By Sophie Claire. 2020
'Sophie's novels are perfect for cosy escapism' - Heidi Swain_____________________________Liberty has never been a risk-taker. She loves the routine of…
her quiet life in the charming village of Willowbrook, with her Labrador, Charlie. But the arrival of a mysterious gift prompts Liberty to make some changes: starting with a daily challenge to say yes to everything for the month of December... Fearless and independent, Alex could hardly be a less obvious fit for peaceful village life. But after an accident cuts short his promising motorcycling career, he finds himself in Willowbrook in search of new direction. When the pair become unlikely housemates, sparks fly at Damselfly Cottage. Will living together prove impossible - especially when the first snow falls? Or, cut off from the outside world, can they help each other find what it takes to be brave this Christmas? *****Readers love Sophie Claire!'This was a wonderful festive story full of intrigue, drama and romance.' Five stars'A lovely heart warming story. Loved it.' Five stars'This is definitely a book to curl up with of an evening, a book to make you smile and feel happy. The characters are so lovely, the writing so warm.' Five stars'I loved this book, and read it in one sitting.' Five stars'A lovely heart-warming book that I could not put down. I really strongly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!' Five starsThe perfect feel-good comfort read to curl up and get cosy with this winter!''A book full of warmth and kindness.…
I loved it'' Sarah Morgan------------------------------------------------Gina Moss is single and proud. She''s focused on her thriving childminding business, which she runs from her cottage at the edge of The Evergreens: a charming Victorian home to three elderly residents who adore playing with the kids Gina minds. To Gina, they all feel like family. Then a run-in (literally) with a tall, handsome American stranger gives her the tummy-flutters... Before a tragedy puts her older friends at risk of eviction - and Gina in charge of the battle to save them. The house sale brings her closer to Dexter, one of the owners - and the stranger who set her heart alight.As the sparks fly between them, Gina carries on fighting for her friends, her home and her business. But can she fight for her chance at love - and win it all, too?A Patchwork Family was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package. -------------------------------------------------There is so much love for A Patchwork Family!''A gorgeously romantic comfort read - my favourite Cathy Bramley book yet!'' Rachael Lucas, author of The Telephone Box Library''Warmth, love, family dynamics and sparky drama - vintage Cathy Bramley!'' Sue Moorcroft, bestselling author of One Summer in Italy''A warm hug of a book'' Phillipa Ashley, bestselling author of A Perfect Cornish Christmas------------------------------------------------Praise for Cathy Bramley from some of your other favourite authors:''Delightful!'' Katie Fforde''A page-turner of a story'' Milly Johnson''Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns'' Trisha Ashley''The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile'' Ali McNamaraThe perfect feel-good comfort read to curl up and get cosy with this winter!'A book full of warmth and kindness.…
I loved it' Sarah Morgan------------------------------------------------Gina Moss is single and proud. She's focused on her thriving childminding business, which she runs from her cottage at the edge of The Evergreens: a charming Victorian home to three elderly residents who adore playing with the kids Gina minds. To Gina, they all feel like family. Then a run-in (literally) with a tall, handsome American stranger gives her the tummy-flutters... Before a tragedy puts her older friends at risk of eviction - and Gina in charge of the battle to save them. The house sale brings her closer to Dexter, one of the owners - and the stranger who set her heart alight.As the sparks fly between them, Gina carries on fighting for her friends, her home and her business. But can she fight for her chance at love - and win it all, too?A Patchwork Family was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package. -------------------------------------------------There is so much love for A Patchwork Family!'A gorgeously romantic comfort read - my favourite Cathy Bramley book yet!' Rachael Lucas, author of The Telephone Box Library'Warmth, love, family dynamics and sparky drama - vintage Cathy Bramley!' Sue Moorcroft, bestselling author of One Summer in Italy'A warm hug of a book' Phillipa Ashley, bestselling author of A Perfect Cornish Christmas------------------------------------------------Praise for Cathy Bramley from some of your other favourite authors:'Delightful!' Katie Fforde'A page-turner of a story' Milly Johnson'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley'The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile' Ali McNamaraThe Dressmaker's Secret: A heart-warming family saga – 'Loved it' VAL WOOD
By Karen Dickson. 2021
&‘A compelling saga that will hold you fast from the first page to the last. Loved it&’ VAL WOOD, author…
of The Lonely WifePerfect for fans of Dilly Court and Gracie Hart, The Dressmaker&’s Secret is a moving and heartfelt family saga from the talented author of The Shop Girl&’s Soldier. Dorset, 1876. When young Beatrice Cullen shows up in the local church with her illegitimate child in her arms, Reverend Michael Redfern takes it upon himself to help her. He finds her daughter, Lily, a home with a kindly couple. But when, at the age of 9, Lily loses her adopted parents, she is forced to live with her awful Aunt Doris and cousin Jez, who treat her no better than a slave. Lily can only seek solace in her dream of one day escaping her aunt and becoming a seamstress. Five years later, now aged fourteen, Lily makes a startling discovery: that her birth father is none other than local aristocrat Sir Frederick Copperfield. Lily is stunned. And when she gets the chance to work for the Copperfields, she can't pass up the opportunity to get to know her half-sister Eleanor. But will Eleanor ever really get to know her, or will Lily&’s true identity forever remain a secret? 'This rollercoaster of a novel draws you in from the first page. Expertly researched and a fabulous storyline with real heart at the centre... I devoured this in one sitting and look forward to more from this author. In short a gem of a read' FIONA FORD, author of Wartime at Liberty's 'A delight to read... Lily Hayter is a wonderful heroine whose resilience and integrity shine through as she struggles to claim a life of her choosing and find a family. At the heart of the story is a warmth and humanity that makes it a truly uplifting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was sorry when I reached the end because I wanted to linger in Dickson&’s world. I eagerly await more from Karen Dickson' VICKI BEEBY, author of The Ops Room Girls'The characters in this novel are so believable that I cared deeply about them from the first chapter. A heartfelt, hopeful account of one young woman&’s fight to keep her child safe when all the odds are against her. Atmospheric and beautifully written' JAN CASEY, author of The Women of Waterloo Bridge &‘An exciting, fresh and talented new voice – a five-star read!&’ CAROL RIVERS on The Shop Girl&’s SoldierThe Shadow of the Wind: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books 1
By Carlos Ruiz Zafon. 2001
THE MODERN CLASSIC: OVER 20 MILLION COPIES SOLDA Sunday Times bestseller and a Richard & Judy book club pick'The real…
deal: one gorgeous read' Stephen King'This book will change your life. An instant classic' Daily Telegraph'A book lover's dream' The Times Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'Cemetery of Lost Books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Julian Carax.But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find. Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from the book, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them. What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind...'Marvellous' Sunday Times'A hymn of praise to all the joys of reading' Independent'Gripping and instantly atmospheric' Mail on Sunday'Irresistibly readable' Guardian'Diabolically good' Elle*Finished Fifty Shades Freed and looking for your next sizzling read?! This is the perfect book for you!*'Oh yes. Sexy,…
sultry and hot.' The SunA brand new irresistible and passionate romance from the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of the This Man seriesAn irresistible connection, a desire that won't let go... When aspiring antiques dealer Eleanor Cole is handed the chance of a lifetime to work for the Hunt Corporation, the renowned antiques dealers, she doesn't think twice. Only to discover she'll be working up close and personal with the notorious and insanely irresistible Becker Hunt. He is a man famous for getting what he wants, and Becker wants Eleanor. But as Becker pulls her deeper into his world, she discovers there's more to him than meets the eye.And falling for Becker goes from being foolish to dangerous... Move over Jesse Ward and Christian Grey, it's time to fall in love with Becker: the ultimate alpha hero!Don't miss the next book in the Hunt Legacy Duology - Wicked Truths out soon!One mother's desperate hope for survival. 1943: In occupied Paris, Celine creates bespoke bouquets at her father's flower shop on…
rue Cler, whilst trying to shield her young daughter from the brutal reality of war. But when an SS officer takes an interest in Celine and her family, all their lives are put in jeopardy...One woman's search for the truth... 2009: Caroline wakes in Paris with no memory of her previous life. Hunting for clues to her identity in her apartment on the rue Cler, she discovers a bundle of letters written by a young widow during the Second World War. As she peels back the layers of the past, Caroline finds new purpose - but Celine's story is unfinished. Desperate to find out the truth, Caroline digs deeper, uncovering dark and dangerous secrets...Can learning the truth about Celine help Caroline unlock the mystery of her past?The compelling and evocative new historical novel from the international bestselling author Sarah Jio. Perfect for fans of The Key by Kathryn Hughes, The Parisians by Marius Gabriel and The Paris Secret by Lily Graham.